Book a flight to Athens with Qatar Airways

Immerse yourself in 7.000 years of history by booking a flight with Qatar Airways to Athens, the home of classical western civilisation. Founded by the Greeks and occupied by a succession of ancient invaders, this culturally diverse city is home to one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. Fly to Athens and walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato and Pericles, as you explore some of the finest archaeological sites in Europe.

Tourist attractions

There is enough history to keep you fascinated and enthralled every time you visit Athens. It is home to hundreds of historical ruins and temples, as well as the Ancient Agora, the Kerameikos cemetery and the Olympian Temple of Zeus. There are also some more modern (relatively speaking) attractions such as Panathinaiko Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were staged in 1896.

A trip to Athens has to include a visit to the Acropolis – the original ancient city centre that still dominates the landscape. The largest temple on the plateau is the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, after whom the city is named.

Leisure activities

There are also plenty of other activities to sample during a trip to Athens. All summer the Athens Festival runs cultural events including music, theatre, dance and visual arts. For a truly unforgettable experience, make sure you include a visit to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus.

Theatre lovers are spoilt for choice, with a total of 148 venues in and around the city, including the ancient Herodes Atticus Theatre. The Athens Concert Hall, also known as the "Mégaron Mousikis", hosts a year-round programme of opera and orchestral performances.

Eating in Athens

For 5-star dining head to Kolonaki, near Lykavittos Hill. Alternatively, visit Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis. Here you’ll find authentic Greek tavernas specialising in local delicacies. But it’s also worth wandering off the beaten track a little to discover family-run cafés and restaurants.

For on-the-go snacks, check out the street vendors selling souvlaki and tzatziki, a delicious combination of mint, garlic and yoghurt dressing over lamb or chicken, served in pita bread.

Shopping in Athens

If you are travelling to Athens for shopping, you’ll discover that it has a rich variety of both high-end retailers and boutiques selling unique Greek crafts. Leather goods are of particularly good quality.

There are relatively few shopping malls in Athens, so the majority of quality boutique shopping can be found in the back streets and alleys. This makes shopping in Athens great fun, as it gives you a chance to explore the old city. For high-end retail, head for Kolonaki or Kifissia.

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Travel Requirements

Flights to Athens arrive at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, 17 miles east of the city centre.

Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Athens please check the visa and passport requirements.